The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project: America’s Clean Energy Giant in the Making

Just off the coast of Virginia Beach, something truly game-changing is happening—something that could shift the entire energy landscape in the United States. It’s called the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project, or CVOW for short, and it’s already turning heads in the world of renewable energy. Developed by Dominion Energy, this isn’t your average clean energy experiment.

We’re talking about the biggest offshore wind farm currently being built in the U.S. That’s right—this mega-project is set to generate a staggering 2.6 gigawatts of electricity once it’s fully operational. That’s enough power to keep the lights on for around 660,000 homes. It’s an ambitious leap toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, and it's all happening just 27 miles off the Virginia coastline.

Massive Turbines, Massive Impact

Now, let’s get into what makes this Virginia wind energy project so impressive. First off, the scale. CVOW will consist of 176 massive wind turbines spread across a 112,800-acre section of the Atlantic Ocean. These turbines are no small feat—each one is about as tall as a 60-story building.

Once complete, the project will also include three offshore substations and miles of undersea cables that carry the electricity back to the mainland. It’s a logistical and engineering masterpiece, blending high-tech infrastructure with the raw power of nature.

These turbines will harness the consistent ocean winds, which are far more reliable than what we typically see on land. The result? A consistent, scalable source of clean electricity that can serve hundreds of thousands of Virginians.

Powering More Than Homes: Boosting Virginia’s Economy

Aside from its size and technological complexity, what makes the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project so important is the economic impact it's already having. The project is expected to inject a ton of money into the local and state economy—around $210 million annually, to be specific. During construction, it's creating nearly 900 jobs each year, with over 1,000 permanent positions projected once it’s up and running.

That’s not just good news for Dominion Energy or the energy sector; it’s a serious boost for workers, suppliers, and small businesses across Virginia. In fact, Virginia is positioning itself as a key hub in the growing offshore wind industry in the U.S., with new manufacturing facilities, training programs, and support services popping up to meet demand.

A Future Fueled by Wind

Of course, no project of this size comes without its hurdles. Like many major infrastructure projects, CVOW has had to weather its share of political and regulatory challenges. Shifting federal energy policies and opposition from fossil fuel interests have stirred up some turbulence. But so far, Dominion Energy has stayed on course. As of 2025, construction is about 50% complete, and the company remains confident in hitting its target completion date of late 2026.

It’s encouraging to see this kind of determination to bring large-scale renewable energy projects to life, especially when so much of the national conversation around clean energy can feel uncertain. For residents of Virginia and environmental advocates alike, it’s a breath of fresh (and wind-powered) air.

But perhaps the most exciting thing about CVOW is what it represents beyond just kilowatts and construction timelines. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when big ideas get backed by serious action. Offshore wind in the U.S. has long lagged behind Europe, where projects like this have been spinning for years. But with CVOW leading the charge, the U.S. is finally stepping up.

Virginia is now on the map as a serious player in clean energy innovation. And with its strategic location, strong winds, and growing infrastructure, this wind farm might just set the standard for others to follow.

So, the next time you’re enjoying a day at the beach in Virginia, take a moment to look out over the water. Beyond the horizon, there’s something incredible taking shape—a future that’s powered not by coal or gas, but by the wind. The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project isn’t just a construction project. It’s a milestone in America’s transition to cleaner, smarter energy. And it’s only the beginning.